Milton Keynes launches 15,000 free parking paces for EVs

A new scheme has been launched providing 15,000 free parking spaces for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Milton Keynes.

With a new ‘Green Parking Permit’ EV drivers will be able to park for free in any of the across Milton Keynes, which aims to boost the appeal of more environmentally friendly cars.

Milton Keynes was awarded Go Ultra Low City status in January alongside Bristol, London and Nottingham and revived £9 million funding to support low emission transport solutions.

The initiative is the first to be delivered with Go Ultra Low Cities funding, with further plans for more charging hubs, priority for EVs in bus lanes and destination charging at popular locations expected to follow.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “It is great to see the first part of Milton Keynes’ Go Ultra Low City plan become a reality. Thanks to the £9 million of funding we have provided, thousands of local residents will now be able to park their electric cars for free. This grant will also help to create an Electric Vehicle Experience Centre in the city and open up bus lanes to electric car drivers.

“We are investing £600 million in cleaner, greener vehicles by 2020 to improve air quality, create jobs and achieve our goal of every car and van in the UK being zero emission by 2050.”

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: “We’re excited to see this first phase of Milton Keynes Go Ultra Low Cities bid take shape as it brings real benefits to electric vehicle drivers across the region. This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the city as it embraces ultra low emission motoring. The £40 million investment by government in cities across the UK, combined with funds from each winning area, will help put the UK at the forefront of the global ultra low emissions race and we hope it inspires other cities and local authorities to invest in the electric revolution.”

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